2004 freestar rear brakes - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

cedarridgewood · 03-14-2008, 16:46

Can anyone tell me how to to compress the cylinder on the rear brakes of my freestar? I can't seem to get them to move with a clamp or twisting the cylinder.

**360ci** · 03-23-2008, 07:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by cedarridgewood

Can anyone tell me how to to compress the cylinder on the rear brakes of my freestar? I can't seem to get them to move with a clamp or twisting the cylinder.

I've never done rear brakes on an automatic, but I imagine you want to compress the cylinder to release the pads. Put the vehicle in neutral and chock the front wheels and you should be good to go. Unless there's some new safety measure out there that I haven't encountered yet.

river brat · 01-14-2009, 08:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by 360ci

I've never done rear brakes on an automatic, but I imagine you want to compress the cylinder to release the pads. Put the vehicle in neutral and chock the front wheels and you should be good to go. Unless there's some new safety measure out there that I haven't encountered yet.

use a steel clamp and tighten them in

U-Boot · 04-09-2009, 19:26

You will probably need a special tool . The center stud/cyl rotates as it retracts. The tool rotates and brings the piston down. You can buy one reasonably or borrow it.
U-Boot

Tattooboost · 04-12-2009, 13:13

I just changed all pads and rotors on my 2005 freestar. There is no reasonbaly priced tool to buy because the $15 cube that most local stores sell doesnt fit. Do not use a wrench or chanell lock on the piston because you will rip the boot and have to replace the caliper. I bought a set from the local snap-on truck for $225. I hated to do it but I had the truck apart and needed it for work the next day. If you are interested I will sell it for half price, because I dont think I will ever use it again.

stewtheman · 05-25-2009, 19:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tattooboost

I just changed all pads and rotors on my 2005 freestar. There is no reasonbaly priced tool to buy because the $15 cube that most local stores sell doesnt fit. Do not use a wrench or chanell lock on the piston because you will rip the boot and have to replace the caliper. I bought a set from the local snap-on truck for $225. I hated to do it but I had the truck apart and needed it for work the next day. If you are interested I will sell it for half price, because I dont think I will ever use it again.

I don't know what tool you're talking about, but I just picked up a disc caliper tool set at Harbor Freight for $16 (after 20% off coupon available online) and it worked perfectly for my rear brakes. It rotates as it depresses the caliper piston. Here's the link for it:

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/...bCategoryName=

I can't imagine what tool would cost $225 but it is completely unnecessary.

**360ci** · 05-26-2009, 18:04

At least the snap-on has a lifetime warranty. 15 brake jobs should make it a good investment!